The Silver Fern

@BerniesCorner I would love Scott Barrett or someone who is an automatic pick rather than Cane. Felt Dalton played well on the end of year tour 22 and did enough to usurp Cane. Had he played perhaps we would of won the final. Would've, could've should've.

@Frank I hope the Blues will play him at 10 but I suspect they will play Perofeta and Zarn will play 15. I think Zarn has the most potential to be a world class 10 I don't have much hope for many of the other youngsters coming through on my limited viewing of them.

@Bones I would add De Groot, he had 1 bad game but was solid in the final once our first choice frontrow was available. I would be happy to work with him going forward.

@Victor-Meldrew personally I am happy with Ioane, he was strong on the carry and defense. He formed a good partnership with Barrett. He showed some good soft passes like the try for Savea against Ireland. I think the gameplan in the final was poor and he ended up pushing a few passes he shouldn't have and dropped a few pills. But generally I would keep them as a partnership and allow them time to grow. We have been blessed in the 13 jumper with Smith, Umaga and Bunce but we remember them at their peak. I would give Ioane time. I like having a physical threat at 13 who keeps the defense honest and creates more space for the wings because they can't drift outwards lest he scores like he did against France in 22.

@DaGrubster he has the physical size but he needs to show the grunt and consistency. Lord is a bit of a rake but has the height on his side.

Looking forward to see who puts up their hands for the following positions:
2, 5, 6, 9, 10 and other wing (Depending on where Telea plays and Jordan)
My hope is that we see Samisoni, Pari Pari, Finau, Roigaard, Who knows? and Narawa make big strides towards filling those positions respectively.

@Bones like that loose trio with Blackadder on the bench. I could support that.

@Bones Savea plays 8 and Blackadder plays 6 for the Crusaders struggling to see where your 3 opensides come from? Just because they can play multiple positions doesn't mean their best position is not where they play for their club week in and week out.

Hope Papalli get first crack at the number 7 jersey. Was watching the highlights from the end of year tour 2022 and he was immense. I wonder if it cost us with Fozzie not picking him and sticking with Cane as captain, red card aside? He was good in the Irish game but pretty average in every other game. Personally I think a backrow of Papalli, Savea and Blackadder would have got us across the line against the Boks, cards aside.

@Bones would love to see it, I don't think he is an international quality 12 but perhaps he could convert himself into a decent 10 especially with the lack of experience we have there now. There are too many decent midfielders and I don't think he is the answer especially with most teams for a tank at 12 like Aki, Tuilagi, De Allende, French guy to name a few.

@DaGrubster agreed a big concern especially when playing the tier 1 sides.

@Tim if you good enough then you young enough. Heem was a later developer and probably has a few more good years in him. He still has some toe and made some good line breaks last year. I would be happy with him at 12. Size, pace and some decent distribution skills.

@cgrant agreed that is strange. Bird is over 2m tall and probably super level quality. 32 so not very old but more on the experienced end. They should learn from the Boks who do not dispose of old players but rather incorporate them to help build the culture and mentor younger players.

@Chris I would go with McLeod at 12 and Aumua at 13, Havili can be on the bench.

@Catogrande yeah missed that one. Good one.

@Catogrande He was terrible in the 3rd/4th play off. He looked disinterested or at worst gunshy. No work rate at all ,one would of thought he would have looked at the likes of Telea, Kolbe and Penaud and saw how much these guys work around the field. They not just speed merchants.

Cheslin Kolbe. was a constant menace and punched way above his weight. Reminds me of Habana but even more elusive but slightly less powerful.

@frugby we hope so, he looked decent and probably an upgrade on Tele'a

@frugby Agreed hoping sullivan will get a chance at 10 for the Blues don't think Perofeta is good enough.

@Gunner Looking forward to seeing the squad next year. Areas I'm most interested in is lock, 6, 10 and 15 most likely it will be Barret/Lord, Finau/Blackadder, McKenzie and the current 14. But you never know super may throw up some surprises you would hope. Maybe A.Ioane will raise his game, maybe new locks like Annandale, Mcwannell or someone else raises their game. Maybe Stevenson makes the 15 jersey his own. Lots to look forward to.